On Tuesday, August 6, John “PJP” Pistole ‘78 sent out a press release announcing his upcoming retirement from his role as AU President after the 2024-25 academic year, officially serving two terms of five years with wisdom, grace and a sense of humor.
In his campus-wide message, PJP expressed his gratitude for being a part of the AU community, and stated how “together, we have built a community that is not just about education but about fostering a sense of truth, faith, and service.”
Pistole and his wife, Kathy Harp (‘78) have plans to move to Delaware to be closer to family at the conclusion of the academic year. Before then, PJP will be with us for a final year as a new presidential selection process will take place over the next several months led by the board of trustees: 2024 is certainly shaping to be a presidential year to remember.
PJP has built a legacy on campus, becoming a true embodiment of how Anderson University can be a home away from home, a family tied by bonds and not by blood. PJP is known for his Instagram account @prespistole and being an active and present member of the campus, turning up for student events throughout the year…and sometimes participating in them too.
PJP has used his leadership skills and community engagement to transform AU and its faculty, staff and students. As AU began their first week of classes, PJP welcomed the incoming freshmen with a message of encouragement, setting the tone of his final to be a year full of celebration and joy.